It must be recognized that being an elimination process, it requires an ability to adjust to frequently altered test pattern, vary question-solving speed, manage stress & keep an eye on the clock.

Preparation Planning

It depends on when you start preparation, present level of expertise and other commitments apart from test preparation.

Typically, most candidates would plan the following stages in their preparation:

• Learn core concepts in numeric & verbal ability.
• Practice sample questions.
• Attempt mock test.
• Work on weak areas.

Early Days

As a thumb rule, preparation should be structured in a way to consolidate performance in the strong sections, while eliminating weakness in the other areas.

It is often the weak areas that provide maximum opportunity to improve performance. Based on your core skills, form a strategy to develop complete expertise. For instance, if verbal reasoning is weak area, make a conscious effort to improve through extensive reading on varied topics. On the other hand, those fearing maths would benefit from starting with a high school book to learn algebra, commercial maths, geometry and trigonometry.

Another focus area in early days is keeping abreast with current events in the economy, politics and corporate sector. This can prove handy in the group discussion & Exam stage. Think of relevant topics and organize mock discussion sessions with your peers.

Specialised Training Programme

Given the complexity of the testing process and the stiff competition, a structured training course is often recommended. It can also provide a good practice ground to evaluate individual ability with different test patterns and provide structure to the preparation.

Review Progress

Build regular check points to review progress. At any point, if things are not working as per the plan, do not be afraid to adjust the approach.

Key success factors are as much dependent on knowledge and rational thinking as on speed and accuracy. Devote three to four hours a day to test preparation. After gaining adequate familiarity with the pattern of questions, shift focus towards attempting mock test.

While approaching test preparation, consider:

• Joining a specialized training programme.
• Identifying weak areas as early as possible.
• Forming a peer group to exchange notes.
• Devising regular check points

Sheshdari Venkatadri, Alumni of IIM-C, Shares His Experience On CAT Preparation:

Approach to test preparation ?

Devoted four to six hours a day to practice over four maths. Kept 30 sample tests for the last month and re-did each test where I scored poorly.

Benefits of Enrolling in a Coaching Programme ?

Highly useful to gain a broad overview of the test pattern.

Working with a peer group ?

Highly recommended – a few of us preparing for CAT compared scores and discuss individual areas of improvement.

Most difficult of the exam?

Striking the right balance in time spent on each section.

Tip to young aspirants!

The test is not just trying to determine verbal or numeric skills. Conceptual understanding is a must and one must aim to work on mastering core concepts. (DOU 13082007)